Apprenticeships to be expanded

Schemes must be made more accessible to employers- particularly smaller firms, Hayes said. The government will expand the number of apprenticeship places and prioritise advanced skills training under plans. Hayes also pledged to take a firm approach in establishing the level of employer contributions to apprenticeships. He said: "The truest measure of the success or failure of this government's commitment to apprenticeships will be found in how well-equipped today's young people will be in future years to face the shifting challenges of life and work." Hayes added: "To be successful in that, we must create a radically new model for workplace training with apprenticeships at its heart and with partnership between government, employers and individuals as its motive force." The minister urged the GTA to play its part in helping businesses, particularly smaller firms, take on apprentices. The GTA should also rally support for apprenticeships among employers, he said. Hayes said the government would expand and improve the apprenticeships programme by building on the existing strengths of the GTA sector. The minister said he had asked the Skills Funding Agency to review what funding they might make available to support the work of GTAs. Hayes told the audience that GTAs can and should play a major role in the drive to increased advanced and higher level skills in growth sectors. He also invited GTA England to put forward a set of recommendations to him that will help the sector grow in a way that will encourage more businesses to get involved in apprenticeships and other training.